3 Players to watch out for in England vs India 1st Test

The five-match series of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is all set to commence on June 20. Plenty of buzz has already been generated for this series. After all, it marks the commencement of the fresh 2025-27 cycle of the World Test Championship for both sides.    

England enter this series as slight favourites as they have a home advantage. As for experience, their squad comprises more of the same as compared to their opposition, who have a whole lot of newbies in their setup.

The Shubman Gill-led India come into the series without two of their most seasoned players in the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It will be intriguing to witness how they go about proceedings. With plenty of Indians being on their first tour to England, all eyes will be on the young guns to deliver.

3 Players to watch out for in England vs India 1st Test

3. Joe Root

Joe Root is definitely one player to watch out for. His performances could uplift the morale of the entire unit. For England to gain momentum in the series, the form of their leading run-getter in the format will be crucial.

The one-off Test against Zimbabwe is the only red-ball action that Root has been part of in 2025. However, he has been in fine form with the bat otherwise. England would hope for Root to click in a similar fashion like he did in their recently-concluded ODI series against West Indies.

 2. Rishabh Pant

Apart from the top-order batters who will be crucial for India, Rishabh Pant’s performance will be quite vital. The southpaw’s last set of Tests was against Australia at the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite scoring at a high strike rate, he did not contribute as per expections.

It is also worthy to point out that he is coming off an underwhelming campaign in the Indian Premier League. While the formats are different, the manner in which he plays at Headingley will reveal a lot about his confidence.

1. Jasprit Bumrah

Like several of India’s overseas Test series, Jasprit Bumrah forms the core of the Indian pace-bowling unit. The conditions and nature of pitch in Leeds has historically provided assistance to fast bowlers.

Bumrah’s wicket-taking abilities will be pivotal for the Indian outfit to make an early impression. He is one of those who can easily turn the tide when it comes to bowling impactful spells, and India would be hoping of just that.